You’ve decided to install a new air conditioning system and now you want to know what actually happens on the day, how long the process takes and what disruption to expect in your home. Most installations run smoothly when handled by qualified air con technicians, typically completing within 3-5 hours for a standard split system or 1-2 days for ducted systems.
Understanding each stage of the installation process helps you prepare properly and know what to expect. From initial assessment through to final testing, every step ensures your system operates efficiently and delivers reliable comfort for years to come.
1. Pre-Installation Assessment: Getting the System Right
Installation begins long before anyone picks up a drill. During the assessment, our team evaluates your room sizes, ceiling heights, insulation quality, window orientation and daily usage patterns because all of these things directly affect cooling capacity, energy efficiency and overall performance.
Getting the sizing right is critical as an undersized system struggles to cool effectively and runs constantly, driving up your energy bills. An oversized system cycles on and off too frequently, wasting energy and failing to control humidity properly. Correct sizing prevents both problems from day one.
This assessment stage also determines the optimal placement for both indoor and outdoor units, the electrical work required, how pipes will be routed through walls or ceiling spaces, and how condensation drainage will be handled. Homes with limited wall space, challenging roof access or unusual layouts may need creative solutions and experienced installers adapt to these constraints while meeting Australian standards.
2. Preparing Your Home for Installation Day
A little preparation on your end makes installation faster and protects your belongings. Inside, move furniture at least a metre away from the installation wall and clear pathways between the work zone and entry points. Remove wall decorations, shelves or fragile items near the area, and either secure pets in a separate room or arrange alternative care for them. If you’re concerned about dust, cover nearby furniture with drop sheets.
Outside, clear access to where the outdoor unit will sit, trim any plants or shrubs within a metre of that area, and make sure the installer can reach your electrical meter box without obstruction. Most installations involve some drilling through walls, and while we minimise mess, some dust is unavoidable although good preparation simply reduces cleanup time afterward.
3.The Installation Process: What Happens and When
Installation day follows a structured sequence across four phases. Knowing what’s happening in each one means no surprises.
Indoor Unit Installation (1–2 hours)
The indoor unit mounts to your wall or, for ducted systems, connects to ceiling ductwork in your roof space. For a split system, the installer marks and drills holes for the mounting bracket, secures the plate level to the wall, creates a penetration for the pipework and cables, mounts the indoor unit, connects the refrigerant lines and installs the drainage pipe at the correct fall for condensation to clear properly.
Outdoor Unit Installation (1–2 hours)
The outdoor compressor needs a stable, level base with adequate ventilation on all sides, with at least 300mm clearance for airflow. Your installer will position and secure the concrete pad or mounting brackets, connect the refrigerant lines running from the indoor unit, run electrical cables to the switchboard and install the required isolator switches.
Location matters more than most people realise as placing the outdoor unit in direct sun or against a hot wall reduces efficiency. Positioning it near bedroom windows creates ongoing noise issues. These are the kinds of decisions that experienced installers get right from the start.
Electrical Work and Connections (1–2 hours)
All electrical work is handled by licensed electricians. This covers installing dedicated circuits with appropriate breakers, running cables from the switchboard to both units, connecting the control wiring between them, and testing earth connections and circuit protection. Older homes sometimes need switchboard upgrades to handle the additional load, and if that applies to your property we will identify it during the assessment phase so there are no surprises on the day.
System Commissioning and Testing (30–60 minutes)
Before leaving, we run the system through comprehensive tests including powering up and checking for error-free operation, measuring airflow and temperature differential, verifying thermostat operation, testing all modes (cooling, heating, fan and dry), checking refrigerant pressures under operating conditions, and confirming drainage flows correctly. This phase catches any issues on the spot rather than requiring a return visit.
Handover: Understanding Your New System
We walk you through the remote control functions, optimal temperature settings for efficiency, where the filter is and how to clean it, and what warning signs indicate a service need. We’ll also cover your warranty coverage and how to register it. Feel free to ask questions at this stage as understanding how your system works properly prevents the kind of misuse that strains equipment or voids cover.
Professional Installation Makes the Difference
Installation quality directly affects long-term performance, running costs, and system longevity. Shortcuts during installation cause problems that emerge months or years later: refrigerant leaks, drainage issues, electrical faults, or premature component failure.
Additionally, your new system needs minimal but consistent maintenance:
- Monthly: Check and clean filters if visibly dirty. Dusty environments require more frequent cleaning.
- Quarterly: Inspect the outdoor unit for debris, leaves, or obstructions blocking airflow.
- Annually: Professional servicing checks refrigerant levels, cleans coils, tests electrical components, and verifies efficient operation.
Regular air con maintenance prevents most breakdowns and maintains energy efficiency. Neglected systems work harder, cost more to run, and fail earlier than properly maintained units. As official Daikin dealers, we handle every stage from assessment through to commissioning, ensuring your system operates efficiently from day one. We complete installations to Australian standards, provide comprehensive warranty support and offer ongoing maintenance to protect your investment.